Turkish state-owned nuclear energy company TÜNAŞ and Candu Energy, a subsidiary of Canada’s AtkinsRéalis, signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) at the COP31 climate summit in Antalya to evaluate Candu reactor technology for a potential new nuclear power plant in Türkiye. The agreement initiates a multi-year technical and commercial evaluation process to support Türkiye’s long-term energy security goals.
The parties are currently discussing a potential six-unit, 4.5 GWe-NPP using Canadian Candu pressurised heavy water reactor technology. AtkinsRéalis will conduct a comprehensive feasibility study alongside Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) activities to assess site characteristics, environmental factors, plant operations, and infrastructure needs.
The studies will establish a financing roadmap and examine Turkish industry participation, local supply chain development, and workforce training. Both organisations expect to complete the initial comprehensive feasibility study by the end of 2027. Engineering design work is targeted for completion in 2028, which will inform Türkiye’s final investment decision.
Türkiye is evaluating sites in the Black Sea province of Sinop and the northwestern Thrace region to expand its nuclear fleet beyond the 4.8 GWe Akkuyu plant currently under construction by Rosatom.
Energy & Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar recently announced plans to increase Türkiye’s total nuclear capacity to 10 GWe by 2040 to meet 11% of electricity demand.
While this agreement advances Canadian-Turkish cooperation following a March 2026 memorandum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s October visit to Ankara, Türkiye continues to hold discussions with South Korea, Russia, China, and Japan regarding its upcoming nuclear project.
“This milestone reflects the federal government’s ambitions to strengthen international partnerships and the global reach of Canadian nuclear expertise, with Candu nuclear technology at the centre of that strategy,” said Ian L Edwards, AtkinsRéalis President & CEO. “We are partnering with Türkiye to support its efforts to achieve its climate commitments and economic and energy security goals with low-carbon, baseload power, while expanding opportunities for Canada’s nuclear sector.”
Canada’s Nuclear Energy Strategy released earlier this year, identified international partnerships, exports and market diversification as key priorities for strengthening Canada’s position as a global nuclear leader. The Government of Canada has committed to working with provincial, utility and industry partners to maintain the commercial viability and competitiveness of Candu technology.
